• Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Marine,  Marine,  My Blog

    Double Sheet Bend: For Joining Two Ropes of Different Diameters

    The Double Sheet Bend, also known as the Double Becket Bend, is a more secure variation of the Sheet Bend knot. It’s specifically designed to join two ropes of different diameters together. Here are some common uses for the Double Sheet Bend knot: Why Choose the Double Sheet Bend? Overall, the Double Sheet Bend is a robust knot suitable for joining ropes securely in situations where reliability and strength are essential, especially when dealing with ropes of different sizes or materials. #livealifetodiefor  #MoreThanMyPast #itsrogerx #official_psychi

  • Adventures,  Hiking / Trekking,  Marine,  Mountaineering,  My Blog

    Indoor Rowing is the Ultimate Full-Body Workout

    By incorporating Indoor Rowing into your training regimen, you can prepare your body for a wide range of Adventurous Activities. Indoor rowing is rapidly gaining popularity as one of the most effective full-body workouts. This exercise engages multiple muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health, and offers numerous other benefits that make it a go-to option for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Welcome to my fitness journey, where I explore the transformative power of indoor rowing. Join me as I dive into the numerous benefits that indoor rowing has to offer, providing valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your workouts and overall fitness. A Remarkable Achievement : Confidence Booster Reflection: On…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  How To's,  My Blog

    Transform into a Fearless Adventurer: Your Ultimate Guide

    Devote yourself to the project not just for the sake of it or even solely for charity, but primarily because it resonates deeply with your own values and aspirations. There’s no time like the present! It’s never too late, and you don’t have to wait like I did. I embarked on my first real wild adventure by walking 650 km to the North Pole at the age of 62. To enhance your quest to become a seasoned adventurer, begin by embracing challenges that are both demanding, unusual and captivating. Engage in endeavors that ignite your passion and curiosity, something you deeply care about. Remember, the journey towards becoming a full-fledged…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  Marine,  My Blog

    Conquer the North Atlantic: a Monumental Rowing Adventure

    Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean rowing boat; ‘primed and ready for an attempt’ on a world record. Our challenge was to Row across the North Atlantic, setting off from Marina Puerto De Mogan Gran Canaria, 4815Km. / 2992 miles to Port St Charles Barbados faster than anyone before. I was musing !!!!    Rowing the Atlantic…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Expeditions,  Marine,  My Blog

    Epic London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge : A Journey to Remember

    The London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge in 2010 required extreme physical endurance and considerable mental strength.  It’s the perfect example of open water rowing’s most demanding aspects; a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I looked forward to an interesting and equally punishing journey from Big Ben, down along the River Thames, across the English Channel to La Havre and up the Seine to the finish at the Eiffel tower, a distance of 440 nautical miles. We rowed an old-fashioned traditional Thames Waterman Cutter; 34ft long, with a beam of 4ft 6”, in timber (clinker-built). We started from Big Ben, London, rowing our Thames Cutter towards the sea. Rotating six rowers…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  My Blog

    “Unsung Heroes”: The Backbone of Our Epic Adventures

    Sherpas, guides, and porters are the ‘unsung heroes’ and ‘overlooked champions’ whose invaluable contributions underpin our extraordinary adventures, often remain overlooked yet make a significant impact on our Adventures and in our Lives. Without their unwavering support, achieving our goals would be an almost insurmountable challenge. They bear the weight of crucial equipment and supplies, guaranteeing our sustenance, hydration, and shelter. Moreover, their expert guidance and vigilant presence play an indispensable role in safeguarding us throughout our voyages and adventures. It was a bittersweet, last night, on Mt Everest. We had achieved what we had set out to do – play rugby at altitude. On the Mountain we had seen…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions

    Explore the Challenge of Kayaking the Great Glen Way

    The Great Glen Way gives the adventurous a unique opportunity to paddle from the Atlantic to the North Sea; traverse across the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. Myself and four friends took on the multi-day challenge……in single Kayaks.  I’m so proud of my team – we nailed it ! 12th June – 16th June 2023 Mark ‘Ackers’ Ackred  :  Clay Smith  :  Rob Callaway  : Roger Davies : Jon Ingarfield An early morning start on Loch Oich. In the late afternoon we had “Lightning”…. It’s recommended to get ashore and away from the water asap. I agreed, because water will transmit lightning strikes from further away, so the quicker you…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure,  Electronics / Navigation,  Hiking / Trekking,  How To's,  Marine

    Ultimate Survival Guide: Finding Your Way in Any Situation!

    Adventure start here: Why you should Always carry a Compass and Map as backup It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness; it gives you the choice to deviate from the trail and explore! I want to tell you more about my extraordinary journey. Steps to Use a Compass 1. Holding the Compass Practical Tips By understanding and practicing these steps, you can effectively use a compass for navigation in outdoor settings. My favourite is the navigation…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Cancer,  My Blog

    Kayak the English Channel : Dungeness to Boulogne

    BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! On the 3rd February 2021, I completed my chemotherapy treatment for Cancer and rang the Bell. Six months later 3rd August 2021 to celebrate this milestone I paddled a red kayak from Dungeness to Boulogne on the Frech Coast, sporting my “Chemo Curls.” Being featured on the BBC in the South East is a great way to share an inspiring journey with a wider audience. I do my story can provide hope and inspiration to others going through similar challenges. Approaching Boulonge Harbour. Caught by Gendarmerie. After paddling 22.6 miles from Dungeness, a high-speed motorboat with its blue…

  • Adventures,  Climbing / Caving,  Expeditions,  Mountaineering

    Mt.Everest Base Camp, Nepal 2014 : Conquer the Ultimate Trekking Adventure

    The Team : Roger, Lucas Bateman, Lesley Pender, Annie (Annabelle) Hancock ,Clive Hagley & his youngest son Max, Julie Jones, Jan Meek :  Our journey to Everest Base Camp Nepal, 17,598 feet (5,364m) above sea level. Trekking to Everest Base Camp on the lower slopes of world’s highest and arguably the most majestic mountain is as spiritual uplifting as it is physically challenging. What makes it tougher; is trekking at altitude; rising an additional 2680m, eventually to reach Everest Base Camp, sited at 5360m; where there is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level. Altitude sickness can hit you at any time, specially over 3000m We flew from from Kathmandu,…